Cosmic Rays 4: the salt of the star formation recipe

Cosmic rays are a key ingredient in many fields of astrophysics and in particular in star formation and astrochemsitry. However, despite their great relevance our understanding is still relatively incomplete. Thanks to the data provided by the current infrared, radio and (sub)millimeter telescopes (e.g., JWST, VLA, LOFAR, MeerKAT, ALMA, NOEMA, IRAM 30m, Yebes, APEX, Effelsberg), we have now the opportunity of attaining a comprehensive knowledge about the role of cosmic rays in the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, hence about the processes leading to star and planet formation. To properly interpret this vast amount of information, the development of theoretical models, simulations and laboratory experiments, are mandatory. Therefore, this conference aims to allow the interplay between observations, theory, models, simulations, and laboratory, by bringing together experts in all these disciplines. We will share ideas, and we will discuss in dedicated sessions about present results, and about the challenges of the field in the future, thanks to the advent of new powerful facilities such as SKA, ALMA WSU, next generation VLA and ELT.

Topics: Role of cosmic rays in star and planet formation; Cosmic-ray signatures in different environments; Impact of cosmic rays on the formation of interstellar molecules: observations, models, and laboratory experiments; Cosmic-ray factories: local acceleration in protostellar sources.